Lap link



4 M w m m M w r w 9 we 1 1 5 6 a 1 E fl u B. F. RODGERS LAP LINK Filed April 11, 1927 Dec. 6, 192 7.

Patented Dec. 6, 1927.

UNITED STATES oFFicE.

LAP LINK.

Application filed April 11, 1927. Serial No. 182,794.

The present invention is directed to improvements in lap links.

The primar object of the invention is to provide a device of this kind so constructed that it can be easily and quickly manipulated for coupling the terminals of chains for any purpose desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a link of this character constructed in such manner that accidental disengagement of the same from a chain is positively prevented, even if the chain is subjected to a whirling or rotary movement, the construction being such that centrifugal force will maintain the link in its operative position even if slight strain is applied thereto.

With these and other objects in View, this invention resides in novel features of construction, formation, combination and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter more fully described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a link, uniting chain terminals.

Figure 2 is a top plan view.

Figure 8 is a side elevation showing the link in its open position.

Figure 4; is a sectional view on line l-4: of Figure 1.

The link consists of a pair of sections 1 and 2, each consisting of a horizontal bar 3 and 4, respectively, having terminal hooks 5 and 6 and 7 and 8, respectively, the bills 9 and 10 of the hooks 6 and 7 being comparatively long and are so disposed that their ends will contact when the sections are closed, as more clearly shown in Figure 2 of the drawing. This is accomplished by bend ing the respective bills laterally so that they will contact when located between the terminals of the hooks 5 and 8.

The bars 3 and 4 are pivotally connected intermediate their ends by a rivet 11, each bar terminating in a lever 12 to facilitate the opening of the sections to permit the chain links 13l3.to be engaged with the hooks. Owing to the fact that the bills 9 and 10 are bent laterally the hooks 5 and 8 will engage therewith to limit the opening movement of the sections. 1

It will be obvious that as long as strain isapplied to the links that the sections 1 and 2 will remain in their closed positions, and even if the links are slack and the chain is whirled centrifugal force will maintain the hook in its operative position. If desired, one of the links 13 can be permanently connected to the lever of oneof the sections.

While the link is primarily designed for use in connection with mud chains, it is not necessarily limited to such use since it can be used wherever it is necessary to detachably connect chain terminal links or cable loops.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A. link of the class described, comprising a pair of sections including pivotally connected bars, hooks upon the ends of the bars, said bars having actuating levers carried by their outer ends.

2. A link of the class described, comprising a pair of sections, each section including a horizontal bar, means for pivotally connecting the bars intermediate their ends, said bars terminating in hooks, certain of the hooks having their bills bent laterally for contacting engagement with each other between the other hooks, said bills being adapted to engage said other hooks when the sections are open.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

BRAXTON F. RODGERS, 1. a] 

